Every year, thousands of New Zealanders experience a concussion — many of them on the sports field. For players, parents, and coaches, knowing what to do in those first few hours can feel confusing and stressful.

Habit Health’s Acute Concussion Clinic, delivered in partnership with Practice Plus, provides a clear, fast, and safe pathway for anyone who experiences a suspected concussion in community sport.

It’s designed to give people the right care at the right time, so they can recover well and return to school, work, and sport with confidence.

Why did we create the Acute Concussion Clinic?

Until now, community sport in New Zealand hasn’t had a consistent, accessible pathway for concussion care. Players were often left navigating symptoms on their own or waiting days for medical advice.

The Acute Concussion Clinic closes that gap by offering:

Immediate recognition by Habit Health physiotherapists on the sideline
Fast medical diagnosis through a same‑day or next‑day virtual GP consult
Structured physiotherapy follow‑up using evidence‑based recovery steps
Clear return‑to‑play guidance aligned with ACC’s Concussion in Sport Guidelines

This means players get timely support, and families get reassurance that recovery is being guided by experts.

How the clinic works

Sideline recognition - A Habit Health physiotherapist identifies a suspected concussion and removes the player from play.
Rapid medical assessment - The physio books a virtual appointment with a Practice Plus GP, available seven days a week.
Structured recovery - Players receive follow‑up physiotherapy appointments at key time points (Day 5, Day 10, Day 15) to monitor symptoms, guide exercise, and support return to activity.
A clear pathway forward - If recovery is straightforward, players receive return‑to‑play clearance. If symptoms persist, they transition seamlessly into Habit Health’s fully funded ACC Concussion Service.

Designed for community sport

The Acute Concussion Clinic is built around the realities of weekend sport:

Available nationwide
Accessible after hours and on weekends
Supported by trained physiotherapists
Backed by fast medical diagnosis
Aligned with national concussion guidelines

Whether it’s a school athlete, club player, or weekend warrior, the clinic provides a safe, supported pathway back to the activities they love.

Helping New Zealanders recover well

Our goal is simple: to help people recover safely and confidently after a concussion.

By combining physiotherapy leadership, rapid medical input, and structured recovery steps, the Acute Concussion Clinic gives New Zealanders a clear, trusted pathway when they need it most.

If you or someone you know has experienced a suspected concussion, Habit Health can help.

Feeling a bit sore?

We love seeing people on the field and doing what they enjoy with their friends. If something feels off, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early support is much easier than managing a strain later on.

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